Hair thinning device

ABSTRACT

PRESENTED IS A HAIR THINNING DEVICE IN THE NATURE OF A COMB EACH TINE OR TOOTH OF WHICH IS PROVIDED WITH A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING CUTTING EDGE WHICH WHEN DRAWN THROUGH THE HAIR IN A COMBINING ACTION EFFECTS CUTTING OF THE HAIR FOR THINNING PURPOSES.

United States Patent O 3,585,718 HAIR THINNING DEVICE Jose V. Escalante, 213 Sunnyside Ave., Campbell, Calif. 95008 Filed Sept. 22, 1969, Ser. No. 859,841

Int. Cl. B26]: 21/12 U.S. Cl. 30-123 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Presented is a hair thinning device in the nature of a comb each tine or tooth of which is provided with a longitudinally extending cutting edge which when drawn through the hair in a combing action efliects cutting of the hair for thinning purposes.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION There has been a long and continuing need for a hair thinning device that may be used in private by individuals for thinning their own hair, and which is suitable for use by professional barbers and beauticians in thinning and dressing the hair of others. Several such devices have been proposed. For instance, US. Pat. No. 1,297,413 discloses a hair cutter comprising a comb on the back of which is attached a blade held in conjunction with the teeth of the comb so that the cutting edge of the blade extends transversely across the teeth adjacent their free ends. US. Pat. No. 1,977,933 discloses a slightly different construction in which a blade is attached to the back of a comb so that the cutting edge of the blade extends transversely across the teeth adjacent their roots. Similarly, US. Pat. No. 3,183,589 discloses a frame constituting a pair of combs face-to-face with razor blades caught between the two combs adjacent opposite edges thereof so as to provide a double-edged hair cutting device.

In each of the three patents noted the cutting edge of the blade extends transversely across the teeth adjacent their free ends. It is believed that one of the reasons these devices have not found wide acceptance, despite the need, is that to effectively thin hair it is necessary to slice or shear individual hair strands generally longitudinally of their axes and at indiscriminate lengths. With the devices noted above, the cutting edge of the blade must inherently be drawn generally perpendicularly against the great mass of hair strands grouped into tufts and drawn through the teeth of the comb. The effect is to shorten the hair rather than thin it as is intended. Accordingly, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide a hair thinning device in which only a portion of the strands of hair are cut as the hair thinning device is drawn through the hair.

It is not the object of the hair thinning process to cut all of the strands of hair of equal length. Instead, it is the intention to cut some of the strands of hair at one length while cutting other strands of hair at a different length. It is equally important that some of the strands of hair drawn through the hair thinning comb not be cut at all. Accordingly, it is another object of the invention to provide a hair thinning device which functions in this manner.

It is a matter of common knowledge that when a cutting edge is drawn perpendicularly against an object to be cut, more pressure must be applied on the cutting edge to effect the cutting function than is the case when a slicing or shearing motion is used. With respect to hair, professional barbers know that it is generally advantageous in effecting a razor cut of hair, for instance, that the cuts be made at an angle to the longitudinal axis of each Patented June 22,, 1971 strand of hair. A professional barber secures this effect very deftly with a straight razor when he performs a razor cut. However, with the prior art devices discussed above which utilize a razor edge extending transversely across the teeth of the associated comb, it will be seen that such a shearing action is at best extremely difficult to obtain because each segment of blade must work essentially perpendicularly against a tuft of many strands of hair caught between adjacent teeth. Accordingly, it is another object of the invention to provide a hair thinning device which when drawn through the hair produces a shear cut in which the severed end of each strand of hair is cut at an angle to its longitudinal axis.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a hair thinning device in which each tooth of the comb is provided with a cutting edge that extends longitudinally with respect to the associated tooth.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a hair thinning device in which the cutting edges associated with the teeth of the comb are readily replaceable either individually or as a unit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION In terms of broad inclusion, the hair thinning device of the invention comprises a body or frame, preferably within which are releasably attached a plurality of teeth arranged to form a comb-like structure. Cutting means are provided on each tooth to provide a razor-sharp cutting edge extending longitudinally with respect to the associated tooth.

In one embodiment of the invention, the body and teeth are molded as an integral unit, and the cutting means associated with each tooth are molded directly into each tooth. In a second embodiment, an auxiliary frame in the form of a plate having slots is provided, individual teeth being seated in the slots. Longitudinally extending cutting edges are associated with each tooth and this sub-assembly is detachably secured in an appropriate main frame. Quickly releasable lock means are provided to lock the subassembly into the main frame.

In a third embodiment, the teeth are individually set in a two-part frame which is then clamped to retain the teeth and the attendant cutting means immovable and in position for use.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing the hair thinning device of the invention in substantially actual size, molded from plastic and illustrating individual cutting means associated with each tooth. The razor-sharp cutting edge of the cutting means are shown enlarged for purposes of clarity.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view in enlarged sclage taken in the plane indicated by the line 2-2 of F 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view in enlarged scale taken in the plane indicated by the line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of the hair thinning device, shown substantially actual size. A portion of the cover has been broken away to show the underlying structure.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view in enlarged scale taken in the plane indicated by the line 55 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken in the plane indicated by the line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment in elevation, a portion of the two-part frame being broken away to show the underlying construction. The device is shown essentially actual size.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken in the plane indicated by the line 88 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In terms of greater detail, the hair thinning device or comb of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is designated generally by the numeral 2, and includes a comblike structure including a body or back 3, and a handle 4 at one end by which the comb may be grasped by the user to draw the teeth or tines 6 of the comb through the hair. The main body portion or back 3 of the device, the handle 4 and teeth 6 are molded integrally in one unitary structure from an appropriate synthetic resinous or other moldable material. If desired, the handle may project from the opposite end of the body as indicated at 4', or the handle may be omitted entirely.

Suitably embedded in each of the teeth 6 is a narrow blade 7 having blade locking apertures 8 adjacent one edge 9 which lies embedded in the tooth, and having an exposed razor-sharp cutting edge 12 along its edge opposite the edge 9. The cutting edge extends longitudinally of the associated tooth, preferably over a major portion of its length, and projects above the tooth approximately At its forward end the blade is preferably sloped as shown at 13. A similar configuration is preferably provided at its opposite end 14.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4, the hair trimming device of the invention comprises a frame designated generally by the numeral 16, having a generally U-shaped conguration including a connecting or bottom portion 17, and arm portions 18, each having a straight inner edge 19 extending from the end 21 of each arm to a flat seat portion 22 formed adjacent the union of each arm with the connecting or bottom portion of the U-shaped frame.

The straight longitudinal edges of the side arms cooperate with the seat 22 to form a socket within which is seated an auxiliary frame or insert 23 having a plate portion 24 and a series of integral spaced parallel tines 26 extending from one edge thereof. The ends 27 of the tines terminate approximately midway between the ends of the main frame 16 when the edge 28 of the auxiliary frame or insert rests against flat seats 22 in the main frame. Specimen devices in which the main frame and auxiliary frame or insert were fabricated from aluminum have been found to be satisfactory. Obviously, other suitable materials such as moldable synthetic resins could be used.

Supported directly in the auxiliary frame and indirectly in the main frame and adapted to be drawn through the hair by a user is a group of elongated teeth designated generally by the numeral 29. Each tooth includes a support or base portion 31 which extends snugly into the space between two of the tines 26 in the auxiliary frame 23. The teeth 29 are proportioned so that when properly positioned in the auxiliary frame, each projects outwardly in the direction of side arms 28 substantially flush therewith, and terminates in an end portion 32 which is preferably tapered or slightly rounded at its end so as not to scratch the scalp when the teeth are drawn through the hair. The base portions 31 of the teeth are snugly received in the spaces between the tines so that when the auxiliary frame or insert is inserted in the main frame, the teeth are immovable, yet upon disassembly of the auxiliary frame from the main frame each tine or tooth 29 may be individually removed from the supporting auxiliary frame.

To effect thinning of the hair by shearing individual strands of hair at indiscriminate lengths in a direction generally inclined to the long axis of each strand of hair there is provided in each tooth 29 an elongated blade 33, the razor-sharp cutting edge 34 of which extends longitudinally along each associated tooth and over substantially its entire length. Each cutting edge projects above the top surface 36 of each tooth only a small amount, say in the order of Each blade is retained in its associated tooth by being caught in an appropriately sized slot formed in the tooth, with the edges of the slot next adjacent the blade being coined so as to retain each blade fixedly in position. This construction is illustrated in FIG. 6 which shows a cross-sectional view of this structure in enlarged scale. While a single edge blade has been illustrated, it should be clear that a double-edged blade could also be used to provide longitudinally extending razor-sharp cutting edges on opposite sides of each tooth.

One side of the main frame 16 is preferably covered or closed by a fixed cover plate 37 which may be integral with the frame or otherwise secured thereto around its peripheral edges as shown. The cover plate closely abuts the auxiliary frame 23 and cooperates with a removable cover plate 38 detachably secured to the opposite side of the main frame to lock the auxiliary frame or toothcarrying insert in position. The detachable cover plate may be conveniently secured by appropriate sized screw heads 39 working in keyhole slots 4-1 formed in the cover plate. The removable cover plate is preferably bowed slightly so that its inherent resilience will retain the cover plate locked in position under the screw heads 39. It will of course be obvious that studs of any kind which provide a head and shank assembly under which a cover plate may be releasably locked would be suitable. In like manner, the keyhole slots may be omitted and the cover plate may be secured by conventional machine screws. In either case, the cover plate 38 is considered to be detachable from the main frame.

As indicated in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral edge of the cover plate generally coincides with the configuration of the U-shaped main frame 16, with the cover plate terminating at its forward edge 42 at a point coincident with the ends 27 of tines 26 of the auxiliary frame. As shown, this proportion leaves a major portion of teeth 29 projecting freely between the associated side arms 18 so that the teeth may easily be drawn through the hair. It should also be noted that each blade 33, as illustrated in FIG. 4, has a length substantially equal to that portion of the associated tooth. Thus, the entire length of each cutting edge is exposed and may be drawn through the hair.

While the blades 33 and teeth 29' are disclosed as separate components locked together and detachably secured to the auxiliary frame or insert, it is contemplated that the teeth, blades, and auxiliary frame may be fabricated as a unitary replaceable structure insertable in the main frame, either in the configuration illustrated or in a different configuration. For instance, the teeth may be stamped from appropriate sheet steel, turned on edge and sharpened to provide the razor-sharp edge, with an integral portion of the sheet being left attached to the teeth and serving the function of the auxiliary frame.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7, the hair thinning device is designated generally by the numeral 43, and comprises a pair of similar plates 44 and 46 a portion 47 of each of which adjacent one edge 48 thereof may be designated a mounting portion for a multiplicity of separately detachable tines or teeth 49. Attached adjacent the ends 51 of the plates, and with the plates 44-46 defining a generally U-shaped frame similar to the frame 16 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, are a pair of relatively heavy arm members 52. Each arm member 52 is provided with a cylindrical shank 53 adapted to be securely yet detachably caught in a square socket 54, formed by a pair of complementary rectangular recesses formed in the opposing surfaces of plates 44 and 46 as shown.

Each of the tines or teeth 49 is likewise provided with a shank portion 56 held snugly in sockets 57, preferably having a square cross-section, formed in opposing surfaces of plates 44 and 46. It will thus be seen that with the shank portions of the tines resting in the sockets, the two plates may be pressed firmly together by appropriate screws 58 so as to rigidly yet selectively detachably retain the tines in appropriate position.

To effect cutting of the hair, each of the tines 49 is provided with an elongated blade 59 having a razor-sharp cutting edge 61 extending longitudinally of the associated time over substantially its entire length, as previously described in connection with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

In use, each of the three embodiments discussed above functions in essentially the same way. When the hair thinning device is grasped, say in the right hand, the tines may be pushed through the hair in a manner so that the ends of the tines rest lightly on the scalp with the tines being inclined away from the scalp and with the cutting edges disposed on the side of the device remote from the scalp. As the tines are pushed through the hair, the cutting edge of each blade next adjacent the scalp will sever some hair strands close to the scalp, while other strands will be cut at varying lengths by other portions of the cutting edge farther removed from the scalp. Some strands of hair will of course be drawn between the tines without being cut at all. Greater or less cutting action of the hair may be accomplished by varying the angle of incline of the tines as they are drawn through the hair, or by tilting the device across its transverse dimension. Tests have shown that even the short hair along the side of the head above the sideburns and around the ears may be thinned efficiently with the device.

Having thus described my invention, what is claimed to be novel and sought to be protected by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. A hair thinning device comprising:

(a) a body including a plurality of spaced parallel tines extending therefrom and adapted to be run through the hair in the nature of a comb; and

(b) cutting means on each tine extending longitudinally thereof and effective to thin the hair when the tines are combed therethrough.

2. The combination according to claim 1, in which said tines are detachably secured to said body.

3. The combination according to claim 1, in which each said cutting means provides a cutting edge that extends substantially the full length of the associated tine.

4. The combination according to claim 1, in which said body and tines are molded from a synthetic resinous material, and said cutting means lie embedded therein to provide a cutting edge projecting therefrom extending longitudinally of the associated tine.

5. The combination according to claim 1, in which said cutting means on each tine comprises a blade anchored to said tine.

6. The combination according to claim 1, in which said body includes a pair of complementary plates adapted to be releasably clamped together, and socket means formed between said plates when so clamped to releasably retain said tines in spaced parallel relation.

7. The combination according to claim 1, in which said body includes a main frame, an auxiliary frame, said tines are detachably secured in said auxiliary frame, and means for detachably securing the auxiliary frame in the main frame.

8. The combination according to claim 7, in which said main frame is generally U-shaped to provide a pair of spaced parallel arms connected at one end and extending freely at their other ends, said auxiliary frame includes a plate portion and a plurality of spaced parallel finger-like portions extending from one edge thereof, said auxiliary frame being releasably supported in the main frame between said spaced parallel arms so that said finger-like portions extend parallel to said arms, and said tines are detachably disposed between said finger-like portions of the auxiliary frame to extend parallel therewith in substantial planar alignment with said spaced parallel arms.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,972,187 2/1961 Gore 3030 3,304,606 2/ 1967 OConnell 30l95X 3,391,459 7/1968 Rollo 30195 ROBERT C. RIORDON, Primary Examiner I. C. PETERS, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 3030 

